TV LICENCE TO GO UP

The BBC fee for a colour TV licence goes up to £145.50 next month.

The two per cent increase is part of a six-year funding deal agreed in 2007.

It was set at three per cent for the first two years and two per cent in years three, four and five – with 2010 being year four.

The rise, which is not being contested by the Conservatives and also sees the black and white licence go from £48 to £49, was brought into effect by an order laid down in the House of Commons yesterday.

The BBC confirmed last week that it plans to axe radio stations 6 Music and the Asian Network and slash spending on its website. Unions say the move threatens up to 600 jobs and warn of strikes to fight redundancies.

- Sitiemilia , Singapore.